| One of the major problems many home owners | | | | space for the battery bank etc are some of the |
| are facing right now is the high energy cost. | | | | issues you have to sort out. |
| Apart from the bank mortgage, electricity bill is | | | | 2) You have some DIY skill – Obviously, if you |
| one of the largest household expenses. | | | | are planning to make the solar panel or wind |
| To help reduce home energy consumption, many | | | | turbine yourself, you must be good with hand |
| people are turning to power sources such as solar | | | | tools. Can you handle a screwdriver or hand saw? |
| and wind. However, a professionally installed | | | | If you can’t, it is a good idea to get some |
| system can cost upwards of $40,000. Many | | | | help. |
| people simply would not be able to afford it. | | | | 3) Get things done efficiently – When you are |
| A cheaper alternative for a residential renewable | | | | making the system, make sure you get it done |
| energy system is via a Do It Yourself (DIY) | | | | efficiently. Do not skip on this especially on the |
| approach. If you are planning a DIY energy | | | | type of building material used. You want to |
| system for your home, the following 4 tips will | | | | minimize error both in judgment and facilitation. |
| save you money. | | | | 4) Have some working knowledge – It will be |
| 1) Start with a small system – It is best to | | | | helpful is you have some working knowledge on |
| build a small system first and then scale it up | | | | either solar or wind power system. Even if you |
| slowly. There are many technical aspects to | | | | can’t build the system yourself, you can |
| consider before you set up the system. Can your | | | | outsource it to a contractor. With the knowledge, |
| roof support the extra weight, are you allowed to | | | | at least you can have a meaningful discussion with |
| install solar panel in your county, do you have | | | | the builder. |